Remembering the sports icons we have lost

John Hagan

John: Thanks. I want to mention three NFL personalities who have recently passed away. Don Shula, the former head coach for the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins. During his tenure, Shula was known not only to get the best out of his players, but he was also great at making adjustments. For example during the early 1970s, the Dolphins were a smashmouth team with Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, a contrast to the explosive thrill-a-minute airshow with Dan Marino and the Mark Boys: WRs Duper and Clayton.

Phyllis George, Miss Kentucky in 1971, and former NFL Today host alongside Brent Musburger, Irv Cross, and Jimmy the Greek Snyder. Phyllis was a trailblazer for women in sports and was responsible for changing the perception of how women are viewed. She demonstrated that women also love sports and are capable of knowing what's going on with them.

Michael McCaskey, former Chicago Bears CEO, had a hand in the Bears Super Bowl XX Championship. He was more of a businessman than a talent evaluator, which shows he was good at hiring those who were elevated in that partment.

Patrick Edwards

Patrick: I want to give a shout out for Jerry Sloan, the NBA's Utah Jazz head coach, twice making it to the Finals. Unfortunately for him and the Jazz, both times were against a Bulls team that was not to be denied. Jerry Sloan was a cool dude.

Richard Herd, perhaps best known for his role on Seinfeld as George Costanza's boss with the N.Y. Yankees, passed on recently. The scenes with Richard Herd, "George Steinbrenner," and George, will live on in comedy legendry. We'll save the last word for Donald--Russ, what you got?

Russ Adams

Russ: Once again, I'm working from home and, today, I'm mourning three icons: Don Shula, Phyllis George, and Michael McCaskey. Don Shula, 90 years old, an icon forever. His team did something no other team has done: a perfect season. Add in his total 347 wins, and this puts him with Vince Lombardi and, of course, Papa Bear Halas. My '85 Bears couldn't even get an undefeated season because they had to go through Shula's Dolphins.

I would also like to acknowledge Phyllis George. She was truly an icon and a pioneer.

Donald Morris

Donald: A couple mentions above I wasn't even aware had passed, and I'm glad I now know. No one's death should go unnoticed. No one’s. Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. With everything going on, their death feels like eons ago. Kobe, essentially, gave us his life. He was in the process of moving into a new phase, something we as a community are struggling with currently. R.I.P. Kobe and Gianna. Often, it takes a taking away to remember what we were given. Lastly, I want to give ups to George Floyd. I realize that the symbolism of his death overshadows the man himself; take a moment to feel what his family and friends are experiencing. They have lost a friend, a son, a father. While they still have his memory, he is no longer of this Earth. Many may not know George Floyd starred as a tight end in high school and helped lead his team to the state championship game. R.I.P. George Floyd and all others who have gone on - sports-related - or not.

Michael McCaskey, former Chicago Bears chairman, was a good man on and off the field. “He volunteered with several causes to help kids,and he also helped lead the Bears to the championship. Enough said. Rest in peace, Mr. Mc- Caskey.”